School of Medicine and Health Sciences officials have launched the GW COVID-19 response fund to support the school’s academic and clinical care programs, according to a medical school release Tuesday.

The fund will be used to purchase protective equipment for health care professionals, support child care programs for medical school residents and staff, provide tents for drive-through COVID-19 testing and improve the school’s telehealth and distance learning capabilities, according to the release. Jonathan Agree, the associate vice president for development and alumni relations for health and medicine, said health care professionals in GW’s medical enterprise are facing medical supply shortages that hinder their ability to respond to the novel coronavirus.

“In the face of this unprecedented pandemic, GW health care professionals are working around the clock to save lives and meet the critical health needs of our region,” Agree said in the release.